Reproducibility of Cutaneous Vascular Conductance Responses to Slow Local Heating Assessed Using seven‐Laser Array Probes. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawson, Ellen A.; Low, David A.; Meeuwis, Iris H.M.; Kerstens, Floor G.; Atkinson, Ceri L.; Cable, Nigel Timothy; Green, Daniel J.; Thijssen, Dick H.J.
• Is Part Of: Microcirculation. Volume 22:Number 4(2015:May)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: skin microcirculation -- endothelial function -- nitric oxide -- local heating -- microvasculature; Biological transport -- Periodicals; Microcirculation -- Physiology -- Periodicals; 612.135
• DOI: 10.1111/micc.12196
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-9688

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Gradual local heating of the skin induces a largely NO‐mediated vasodilatation. However, use of this assessment of microvascular health is limited because little is known about its reproducibility. Methods: Healthy volunteers ( n = 9) reported twice to the laboratory. CVC, derived from laser Doppler flux and mean arterial pressure, was examined in response to a standardized local heating protocol (0.5°C per 150 second from 33°C to 42°C, followed by 20 minutes at 44°C). Skin responses were examined at two locations on the forearm (between‐site). Heating was repeated after a break of 24–72 hours (between‐day). Reproducibility of skin responses at 33–42°C is presented for absolute CVC and relative CVC responses corrected for maximal CVC at 44°C (%CVCmax ). Results: Between‐day reproducibility of baseline CVC and %CVCmax for both sites was relatively poor (22–30%). At 42°C, CVC and %CVCmax responses showed less variation (9–19%), whilst absolute CVC responses at 44°C were 14–17%. Between‐day variation for %CVCmax increased when using data from site 1 on day 1, but site 2 on the subsequent day (25%). Conclusion: Day‐to‐day reproducibility of baseline laser Doppler‐derived skin perfusion responses is poor, but acceptable when absolute and relative skin perfusion to a local gradual heating protocol is utilized and site‐to‐site variation is minimized.